Okay, listen up. I work in healthcare administration, so I know a thing or two about this mess. Here's what you need to do: 1. Get a copy of your doctor's current medical license. Make sure it includes the issue date and expiration date. 2. Write a formal letter to EDD explaining the situation. Include your claim number, the date of the notice you received, and a clear statement that your doctor is and has been licensed. 3. Include a copy of your doctor's license with your letter. 4. Send everything via certified mail so you have proof they received it. 5. File an appeal immediately if you haven't already. You usually have 30 days from the date of the notice. 6. Contact your state representative or senator's office. They can often help expedite these issues. 7. Keep detailed records of every communication with EDD. Dates, times, names of who you spoke to, what was said. 8. If your benefits have been cut off, look into applying for emergency assistance programs in your area while this gets sorted out. Remember, EDD deals with thousands of claims. Mistakes happen. Stay persistent and document everything. You've got this!

This is so frustrating! I'm dealing with a similar situation right now where EDD flagged my doctor's license as "inactive" even though she's been practicing for 15 years. It's like their system just randomly picks people to harass. The worst part is trying to get someone on the phone who actually knows what they're talking about. Half the time they just read from a script and can't actually help. I've been gathering all my documentation too - hopefully we can both get this nightmare sorted out soon. Stay strong! 💪

im in the same boat. been waiting 3 weeks now. this is rediculous. dont they know we have bills to pay???

I went through this exact same thing last year and I totally understand the stress! Here are a few things that helped me get through to someone: 1. Call the 1-800-480-3287 number right at 8am when they open - literally dial at 7:59am so you're ready 2. If you can't get through on the main line, try calling your local SDI office directly (you can find the number on the EDD website) 3. Keep a detailed record of all your submission dates and confirmation numbers - this helps when you finally do speak to someone 4. Make sure your doctor submitted the medical certification properly - that's often where delays happen Also, check if you qualify for any emergency assistance programs in your county while you wait. Some local organizations can help with utilities or food if you're struggling financially. Hang in there - I know it's incredibly frustrating but most claims do eventually get processed. The system is just overwhelmed. Sending you good vibes! 🤞

Pro tip: if you're having trouble getting through on the phone, try calling right when they open in the morning. I usually have better luck then.

I'm going through something similar right now! When you say they need more information, did they specify what kind of documents they're looking for? Sometimes they want updated medical records or a new doctor's statement even if you think you already provided everything. Also, have you checked if there's a specific deadline mentioned in the notice? EDD is notorious for having tight deadlines that aren't always obvious. Don't lose hope - I know it's super stressful but you'll get through this! 💪

One final tip I forgot to mention: print or save a PDF of your payment history from your SDI Online account before your claim closes. Sometimes after a claim is fully processed and closed, it becomes harder to access your full payment history, and you might need that for tax purposes next year.

Just wanted to add my experience - I went through this exact situation last month! Yes, you'll get paid right up to your last day of disability (September 28th in your case). The key thing is making sure you submit that final certification correctly and don't accidentally certify for any days after you return to work. One thing that helped me was setting a reminder to check my EDD account a few days after submitting my final certification to make sure the payment processed correctly. Sometimes there can be delays with partial payments, and it's better to catch any issues early rather than waiting weeks to find out something went wrong. Also, since you mentioned budgeting - your final payment might arrive a day or two later than your usual payment schedule since partial certifications sometimes take a bit longer to process. Just something to keep in mind for your planning! Good luck with your return to work tomorrow!

How to Appeal an IME Decision Successfully: Appealing an Independent Medical Examination (IME) decision can be challenging, but many have been successful by following these strategies: 1. Get a Second Opinion from Your Treating Physician: A strong strategy is to get a detailed medical report from your own doctor that directly counters the IME findings. Ensure your doctor explains why they disagree with the IME and provides evidence from your medical history, diagnostic tests, and treatment plans to support your claim. Doctors who have treated you for a long time may have a better understanding of your condition than an IME doctor who only sees you once. 2. Gather Comprehensive Medical Records: Collect all of your relevant medical documentation, including test results, treatment records, and reports from specialists. These documents can be crucial in showing the extent of your disability. Provide any new medical evidence or records that have come up since the IME decision, to help reinforce that your condition is real and continuing. 3. Challenge the IME’s Credibility: If you suspect bias, you can challenge the credibility of the IME doctor. Research if the IME doctor regularly works for insurance companies and whether their assessments often favor insurers. This can be useful to highlight possible biases in the decision. Look for discrepancies or factual errors in the IME report and point these out in your appeal. 4. Check IME Results Timeline: Typically, after your IME, the doctor submits their results to SDI. You may not be told the result at the exam itself. Many people have reported seeing updates in their SDI online portal about 10 days after the IME. Others receive a decision letter in the mail within 2 weeks. SDI doesn’t always notify your original doctor about the IME results, so it’s important to stay proactive and keep track of the status by calling SDI or checking your account online. 5. Hire an Attorney (If Necessary): If you’re unsure how to navigate the appeal process, consulting a lawyer who specializes in disability claims can help. An attorney will know how to challenge an IME decision and can assist with gathering medical evidence or getting expert testimony. 6. Present Expert Testimony: If you can, submit testimony from a medical expert, especially one who specializes in your condition. Their insight can help strengthen your appeal and challenge the IME findings effectively. 7. Write a Detailed Appeal Letter: Your appeal should include a comprehensive letter that clearly explains why the IME decision is incorrect. Make sure to back it up with all relevant medical records, reports from your treating physician, and any other evidence. Specifically address how the IME’s conclusions are wrong, incomplete, or inconsistent with your medical history. 8. Monitor Your SDI Status: SDI Portal: Regularly check your SDI portal for updates on your claim or decision. If you see that your benefits have been denied or that there’s no update after your IME, it’s crucial to follow up directly with SDI. Mail Notification: You should also receive a letter in the mail with the decision from the IME, which will outline if you’re cleared to continue receiving benefits or not. 9. Follow the Appeals Process Closely: Once you receive the IME decision, you have the option to appeal if you’re disqualified. Make sure to follow the appeals process closely, adhere to deadlines, and submit the required documentation. 10. Stay Proactive: As mentioned in the discussion, your treating doctor won’t be notified of the IME results, so it’s up to you to stay on top of the process. Many have found that you need to call SDI regularly, as their system is often overwhelmed. It’s important to take charge of tracking the status of your claim or appeal. Success Stories: Many people have had success by: Obtaining strong rebuttals from their treating physician. Ensuring they provide clear, well-documented medical records. Hiring attorneys when necessary, especially in complex cases. Some have reported being able to see updates on their SDI account within 10 days after the IME, while others received letters in the mail. --- Additional Information: When to Expect Results: After your IME, it usually takes around 10 days to see an update on your SDI portal or receive a decision letter. However, processing times can vary depending on your specific case and the volume of claims at SDI. Proactive Monitoring: Since your doctor won’t be notified of the IME results, you should stay in regular contact with SDI by checking your online account or calling them directly. --- Final Thoughts: If you feel the IME decision was unfair, appealing it successfully will require careful preparation, detailed medical documentation, and persistence. Stay proactive in checking your SDI status and seek legal help if necessary to give your appeal the best chance of success.

Here's the dialing shortcut to get a live person at SDI (EDD State Disability office) -- there's also a tool at the end of the video that guarantees you speak with an agent without any hold time: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ